The Ontario Ministry of Transportation disclosed that radioactive waste originating from a former mill near Lake Nipissing has been transported to the Sarnia region. Initially intended for shipment near Sudbury, the material had remained at the mill for seven decades, sparking public outcry from the Nairn and Hyman community, consisting of around 400 residents.
The tailings, containing low-level radiation due to trace amounts of uranium in the ore, were redirected to Clean Harbors in Corunna, situated in St. Clair Township, Lambton County. Julia Casin, representing the transportation ministry, confirmed that a stockpile of niobium rock tailings had been moved to Clean Harbors’ licensed disposal facility near Sarnia in July, following all regulatory protocols.
Emphasizing adherence to stringent safety and environmental standards in handling niobium rock tailings during transportation, Casin highlighted that these materials are not categorized as hazardous and are deemed a low-risk operation by provincial authorities. Nipissing First Nation Chief Cathy Stevens indicated to CBC News that the removal of the tailings is anticipated to conclude by year-end.
